The Agricultural Research Organization – Volcani Institute is the largest agricultural research institute in Israel, and one of the leading institutions of its kind worldwide. It is an independent affiliate unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The vision of Volcani Institute is a sustainable, climate-adapted, data-driven, and precise agriculture. Its mission is to lead and excel in agricultural R&D and technological innovation, meeting agricultural challenges in cooperation with all relevant partners, nationally and internationally. Volcani goals include: developing solutions for agricultural challenges while considering the environment, generating knowledge and technologies that serve agriculture while preserving natural resources, training the next generation of agricultural scientists and experts, commercializing knowledge and technologies, producing data-driven decision-support tools and assisting in shaping evidence-based policy, achieving international leadership in agricultural R&D by forging strategic partnerships, and deepening collaboration with stakeholders along the agricultural value chain. Six research institutes operate at Volcani’s main campus: Plant Sciences, Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, Animal Sciences, Plant Protection, Postharvest and Food Sciences, and Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Additionally, Volcani operates two research nters, at Neve Yaar in the North and Gilat in the South. Volcani Institute is also home to the Israeli Gene Bank. The Institute comprises approximately 180 research groups, and about 350 graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D., and postdoctoral fellows). To date, the Institute has registered over 150 active varieties and more than 180 patent families. Among the well-known varieties developed at Volcani are the Galia melon, Barnea olive, Shulamit and Henoch peanuts, Orri mandarin, Maya mango, and new wheat varieties. Research teams at Volcani are developing unique fruit and vegetable varieties, and working to decipher molecular pathways to enable the development of new varieties adapted to changing climatic conditions. Scientists are advancing innovative irrigation methods that significantly reduce water consumption and expand the use of reclaimed (treated) wastewater. The Institute also develops pioneering solutions for advanced postharvest storage and shelf-life extension, eco-friendly pest control, and maximizing milk yield while safeguarding animal welfare. Special emphasis is placed on developing automation and robotics to reduce agricultural labor, and on harnessing big data and artificial intelligence for precision agriculture.
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